Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

November 5, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Hoyte Pyle caught a nice smallmouth bass on the Spring River this week while fishing with guide Mark Crawford. In Crawford’s report from the Spring River this week, he says they are catching “really nice” smallmouth “here and there.” The trick has been to work bigger flies slow and deep along the river bottom, and work the big rocks along the river bank, as the smallies live under most of them. Like the rest of the state, the Spring still needs more rainfall.

Reports are updated weekly, although some reports may be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news. 

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: https://www.weather.gov/lzk/wxcntl4.htm
For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt
For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/Arkansas/
Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

• Central Arkansas
• North Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas
• Southwest Arkansas
• South-Central Arkansas
• West-Central Arkansas
• East Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond
(updated 11-5-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond provides a nice fishing opportunity for area anglers, and as the weather begins to cool, it should provide a good fishing destination for families. The 70-acre pond has been stocked by the AGFC with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream (as well as rainbow trout for the cold weather months).

According to AGFC Fisheries staff, there have definitely been times where it is getting a bunch of use and people are catching bream and smaller bass. 

Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule, and the gates to the new dam structure will be closed on Dec. 2 to allow the lake to begin refilling. Click here for the latest news update.

Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website to see the forecast generation schedule.

NOTE: Trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam changed in early 2026. Anglers may keep two trout daily; trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 10-22-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Finally, fall has arrived here in Arkansas! After the excessive heat we dealt with all summer, it sure feels good to have some cooler weather. Daytime temperatures have been in the 70s and 80s, with nighttime lows in the 50s and 60s. With the cooler temperatures, power demand has dropped off, and that has meant a big change in the generation schedule on the Little Red River.
Over the last couple of weeks, the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a pretty consistent schedule, usually running two units for around two to four hours a day, generally starting somewhere around 5 or 6 in the evening. As always, generation schedules can change, so be sure to check the USACE Little Rock app before heading out to see what the current water releases are.

“With the current generation schedule, we’re seeing excellent wadeable water throughout the river. If I were fishing on foot, I’d start around JFK Park or Swinging Bridge access. Both areas receive plenty of stocking and can offer some great opportunities when the water conditions are right.

“For fishing from the boat, I’ve been spending most of my time fishing the deeper sections of the river, especially around the moss beds and anywhere there is steady current.
“Fall weather has really just arrived over the last couple of weeks, but the fish are still wanting that deeper water. That’s not to say you won’t find fish in the shoals, but with the decreased flows, I’ve been finding more fish in the deeper sections and in the plunge pools below the shoals.
“The fishing has been best early in the morning, when we’re still seeing some flow from the previous night’s generation. We’ve also been having some good late-afternoon and evening fishing. On those warm, sunny afternoons, small midges have been coming off up and down the river, and you’ll see fish rising and breaking the surface. The hot flies lately have been San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midge patterns.
“It’s a great time of year to be on the Little Red. The temperatures are finally comfortable, the river is in great shape, and the fall fishing is just getting started. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather while we’ve got it! And if you’d like to learn how to fly fish or want to get out on the river with a guide, give me a call.”

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

No reports.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 10-29-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the lake is very low, but one angler who visited the bait shop has caught some nice largemouth bass recently. She estimated the bigger ones near 3-4 pounds. She hears that a floating jig is working best for them. The bite is picking up in the morning and then later in the evening. Another angler out early in the morning on a boat this week caught a few crappie that were about 11½ inches in length. He was in the “deeper” area of the lake, although that’s relative to the drop the lake has taken over recent months.

“You can see some bass moving around, chasing shad near the shoreline,” Bing said. “It’s still way too low. The local people say they haven’t seen the lake this low before.” She added that it is very stumpy, and while you’ll still be able to get a boat into the lake with no problem, she urges caution moving around the lake. Trolling motors would be best now.

Some baby bream are being caught now, she added, but with the low water, most of the activity is around the shoreline. Nobody has talked about catfish in quite a while, she said.

For more updates, follow Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 10-29-2026) The Arkansas Crappie Trail held a tournament on Overcup on Oct. 24, and they picked a decent weekend to search for a crappie bite. Lamar Bunting and Gene Neumeier caught a winning 9.12 pounds with five fish. Their best fish measured 2.37 pounds. Steve Adams had 8.73 pounds of fish (including a 2.62-pound crappie) and Cody Kelley caught 8.60 pounds, slipping into third place by 0.01 pound. 

The Big Crappie was hauled in by Donnie Barnhart, a 2.75-pounder. Twenty-seven teams weighed in fish.

On his Facebook page, which includes some photos from the tournament, Lamar Bunting said of the Overcup fishing, “The lake was fishing tough, to say the least, and the big fish did not want to bite for us. We kept our head down and foot on the gas and were able to get enough of the right bites to secure a win. We had a great time and really enjoyed being back in the swing of things and looking forward to the next one.”

The Crappie Trail visits Lake Nimrod on Nov. 7.

Brewer Lake
(update 10-29-2026) AGFC staff note that several people have been calling in recent weeks, asking about the launchability at Brewer Lake. Nick Feltz, supervisor in the Mayflower office, said, “You can definitely still launch from the south ramp, but the lake is really low and folks need to use extreme caution.”

Brewer Lake is a good getaway in the fall for crappie fishing as well as picking up some decent-sized largemouth bass. For crappie, focus on coves in the northern portion of the lake. Look for bass as temperatures fall around secondary points and isolated brush. Anglers may keep up to 10 largemouths, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 11-5-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that the front launch ramp and the back launch ramp were both temporarily closed due to the low water levels. As of last week, Lake Maumelle was down 12.17 feet below normal pool. The surface water temperature is 71 degrees.

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Little Maumelle River
(update 11-5-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said in his most recent report that the water is normal. The crappie are biting again. They’ll bite at 3 feet on jigs — “probably can catch them on minnows, too,” Ray said, “but I’m only hearing about jigs.” Fish in 6 feet of water around the trees.
Black bass are still biting. Soft plastics and crankbaits are the best bets to catch them. They’re still biting in 2-3 feet of water.
One interesting idea Ray tossed out is for catfish anglers to try throwing noodles with persimmons on hooks under the persimmon trees, and you’ll catch all the catfish you want he said. Also, liver and worms, as well as hot dogs, will work. Folks are catching good-sized channel and blue cats now in the 3- to 5-pound range.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 11-5-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said  the lake is closed to fishing until February as the lake is turned over to a waterfowl rest area for duck hunting clubs in the region.

White River
NOTE: Trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam were changed in February by the AGFC and effective until further notice. From the dam to the Norfork Access boat ramp, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. From the Norfork Access boat ramp to Arkansas Highway 58 (at Guion), anglers may keep two trout of any species; only one may be longer than 14 inches. Brook trout must be 14 inches or longer to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 24 inches or longer to keep.

Cotter Area
(updated 11-5-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “What a great week in the Arkansas Ozarks! The fall colors are just coming out this autumn — you’ll see a pop of bright reds or orange once in a while and the fishing has been outstanding. Be prepared for cool mornings because we’re getting some fall temperatures (at last and then often only in the morning hours), but we still have some nice warm afternoons to enjoy.
“Releases from Bull Shoals Dam have been minimum flows, followed by a quick rise to almost three units (9,000 cfs) later in the evening on some days. Bull Shoals Lake at this writing is sitting at 652.66 feet msl and still dropping.
“The rainbows are loving the shrimp/orange PowerBait mashups and the colors on them have been fantastic. You might draw the attention of some browns (we have seen a fair number this week) with a sculpin, but never underestimate a frustrated brown if you tease him enough with a gold Cleo, an orange or mossy green jig or a peach/orange/yellow egg pattern fly. They are moving into their annual spawning grounds, too, so keep watch as they travel toward Rim Shoals and/or the dam.
“It will take a lot of time and varying baits to catch the browns’ attention at this time so remain patient, stay on the river and keep it fun. The holiday season is coming up and weekend getaways are being scheduled. Keep angling, and we’ll see you on the river.” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 11-5-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see lower water conditions. We are seeing low water in the morning with the water rising late in the morning. A week ago, the water levels were between 2-3 for two days, then returned to low in the morning and rising late morning later in the week. 

“With the rising water we are seeing “trashy” water with a lot of moss and leaves. We continue to have success throwing quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons, Rapala Countdowns CD5 and CD7 in brown trout and rainbow trout colors, and Dynamic HD Trout in ghost brown. Drift-fishing continues to work well with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. Neo pink and blue eggs seemed to work the best. 

“Take advantage of nice weather.”

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 11-5-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said the water temperature has fallen to 68 degrees, give or take. The lake is at level 652, or 6 feet below normal pool. “We finally got a little rain. The trees are changing as temperatures are dropping. Powerfishing has been slow; better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are some fish up shallow. The Rock Crawler bite has started. If it’s the right conditions, you will most likely notice baitfish. Topwater has still been hit or miss; a lot of shad are on the move. They are still migrating back into the creeks. Go with a spinnerbait or Chatterbait in stain. Try topwater baits if you find them busting. Those fish have been moving in schools, as a lot of the fish are definitely keyed in on shad. The Jewel Shad spoon is working well, or you can try your favorite minnow, a Tater Shad or swimbait. 

“If the conditions are post-frontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will likely be tough. I will slow down and try a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. Try a Jewel half-ounce football jig in green pumpkin orange or PB&J. Sit off of deep points, dragging the long points or using Craw baits in brushpiles and timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends. Also hit the steeper banks in the creeks and work ambush areas around shad.
“It’s that time of year. The bait is moving, and so are the fish. Remember: Fish the conditions!

Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 11-5-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) reports that fall transition is occurring on the lower end of the lake. Schools of fish seem to be breaking up into smaller tighter packed pods and are roaming. Where they were today might not be where they are tomorrow. Follow the wind and start looking for the first holding sites in that direction. Some good fish are still being caught suspended 5 feet off bottom in 35-45 feet of water along with some undersized fish holding closer to bottom. Fishing has been fair to good this past week. Schools of walleye have been a little hard to find, but when you find them you need to work them over with different methods to get them to respond.

Fish are holding on flatter points with deep water on one side. Look for fish on the tips of long points as well as the sides that are close to the sharper dropoff. Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day. Fishing slow this week has still been the key to picking up better-size fish.

Start out shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 6-15 feet of water, or deeper in 25-45 feet of water if there is little or no wind or cloud cover. Jerkbait fishing is picking up. Casting 110-style deep-suspending lures like Head Hunter or Mega Bass+2 has been working, along with jJigging spoons in white, chrome and blue spoons and jigging Rapalas in blue and chrome or Helsinki Shad color, half-ounce or three-quarter ounce, into 12 feet of water and working it back out into 30 feet has been working. Drop-shotting live crawlers or one-eighth ounce and crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 35-45 feet is working. 

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors trolled in 15-20 feet of water at speeds of 1.2-1.5 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 11-5-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that fishing for crappie has been productive on the main lake on timber and brushpiles mainly with live bait in 25-30 feet of water. Some days are definitely more productive than others. 

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Norfork Tailwater
Note: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for Norfork tailwater. Anglers in the Norfork tailwater may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately.

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 11-5-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level has stayed fairly consistent this last week. The level is 1,111.60 feet msl, or around 8 feet below normal .
“We have received some rain, but more is needed. As you know, we have been really dry these last few months. Turnover is about to complete, as it has turned over in most areas. This is a big lake and it takes a bit of time to turnover the whole lake. Usually it happens in sections, as some areas cool quicker and other areas take a bit longer.
“Stripers are fair to good. There has been some toowater activity from Prairie Creek area to Rocky Branch. Stripers will continue to push south as bait moves that way. Ultimately the fish should land in an area from Horseshoe Bend all the way south to camp War Eagle.
“Crappie will continue to move toward structure as water cools. This will usher in a better bite or at least a more consistent one.
“Walleye do a disappearing act in October and November. If walleye are your game, they can be found shallow to fairly deep right now. My advice is to move often until you find a few. This time of the year you can use a variety of baits and methods. Trolling to drop-shot crawlers — everything will work. It’s not a good bite but you can put a few in the boat.
“Bass will school up for a bit and usually there is a good fall topwater bite.
“The weather is starting to look more normal for this time of the year. Good fishing should follow closely. Stay safe and good luck!”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, 2026, due to significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 11-5-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Well, folks, November is here, and we’re finally starting to get some cooler weather here in the Ozarks. Fall is one of my favorite times of year to fish the Beaver tailwater, especially with the brown trout becoming more active.
“Water levels are still extremely low, and that’s been the biggest challenge lately. With very little water moving through Beaver Dam, the fish are holding in deeper holes and pockets where they can find a little cover. They’re still biting, but you might have to work a little harder for them.

“Rainbow trout fishing has been fair, with some days producing better than others. We’ve been finding that moving around and changing things up has been the key. Pautzke Fire Bait, Fire Eggs, small jigs and spoons are all good choices right now. With the water being so clear, don’t be afraid to go with lighter line and smaller presentations.
“Now, let’s talk about those brown trout! This is the time of year I really start getting excited. As the water temperatures cool, the browns begin moving into their fall spawning season. Early mornings, late evenings and cloudy days can offer some good opportunities to catch a nice one. Just remember: If you see fish spawning on the gravel, give them some room.
“One thing I always tell folks is that low water doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish. It just means you have to change your approach a little. Slow down, pay attention to what the fish are doing, and don’t spend too much time in one spot if they’re not cooperating.
“Hopefully, we’ll start seeing some much-needed rain and a little more water moving through the river before long.
“Until next week, stay safe, enjoy the outdoors, and tight lines!”

For additional information, bi-weekly Beaver tailwater and Beaver Lake fishing reports can be found on the Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service website.

Lake Charles
(updated 10-22-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) says the lake got some much needed rain over the weekend. They received 0.6 inches, but they still need a lot more. The lake remains well below the 12.5-foot normal depth.

Surface water temperature earlier this week was 65 degrees. Though the lake is annually a source for the water pumped into the AGFC’s Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA and its greentree reservoirs, it has not recovered all year from last year’s lowering due to drought conditions and is not expected to be lowered any more to flood the WMA, according the the AGFC’s Wildlife Management Division.
Catfish were all that provided action this past week, but those results were excellent. Anglers were catching them out on the lake from their boats on the usual catfish baits. No reports were given on bass, crappie or bream.

Best fishing days according to the “moon times” will be coming Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 26-27. Good days are forecast for Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 12-16, according to Marsha. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 10-29-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, in his most recent report said, “Lake Poinsett has been slower fishing-wise, but the bream are still biting. There have been some reports of catfish caught on lines set out overnight.

The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily for bait sales: minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, waxworms, dip and dough baits, and more bait and tackle.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality earlier this month issued a warning for algae bloom on Lake Poinsett. The area of focus earlier this week was on the eastern side, and while the bloom is not considered dangerous, anglers are urged to use caution handling fish, while swimmers are urged to steer clear of the posted year.

Micah Tindall, an AGFC fisheries biologist in Jonesboro, said a small amount of surface algae was found during a routine inspection. ADEQ was notified and a followup inspection by ADEQ confirmed the algae bloom. The warning will stay in place until two all-clear inspections by ADEQ, and those inspections are made every 10-14 days.

Fishing is safe, and eating the fish from the lake is safe with some minor precautions. Clean your fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only. Boaters also should adhere to the Clean, Drain and Dry policy of the AGFC and to the rules on boat drain plugs.

Spring River
(updated 11-5-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water level remains low with clear water clarity. The area remains very dry with record low water levels. It’s a great time for small-stream fishing with the low water. Search out deeper pools and riffles and tail-out pockets below riffles. The low, clear conditions have made for great dry fly and nymph fishing. Hopper droppers still work best on the nice sunny days. Nymphs are working great most days with Y2Ks and Woollies working other days. 

The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery has been stocking really nice trout in the river about every other week. There is plenty of fishing pressure to keep them on the move. Let them go and let them grow and they will get bigger. Leaves are falling heavier on the windy days. Once the leaves all fall and the temps get cold, the big trout should start moving. Wear that heated jacket to stay warm; it is an option these days. 

“We are catching really nice smallmouth bass here and there. We’re working bigger flies slow and deep along the river bottom. Work the big rocks along the river bank; the bass live under most of them. Easy to see all the fish that the Spring River contains. FYI, the yellow flashing on the river bottom is yellow suckers rolling rocks on the river bottom, usually not brown trout. Plenty of redhorse and baitfish, also. The baitfish have really taken over the shallow areas. Constantly rising to bugs. Big shad that are feeding on bugs can be good to imitate with baitfish streamer patterns for the bass and the bigger trout in the river.
“Easy wading, but be careful — those rocks are still slick. Stay dry and safe out there; this time of year you may have the river all to yourself.”

Crawford’s website includes regular updates on his blog along with videos and photos. 

White River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from the White River stages at Batesville, Newport and Augusta and all other sites within the White River basin in Arkansas, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam and Maynard Lock and Dam, as well as the Pine Bluff pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 10-22-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) reports that the lake is very low and overrun with lily pads. She said they only had two anglers out this week.
Cane Creek Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in Lincoln County that was built in 1986 and is owned and managed by the AGFC. It is stocked with bass, crappie, bream and catfish. The visitor center offers a pier. The lake has always had abundant floating and submerged aquatic vegetation. Increased focus recently on invasive aquatic species at the lake led to the discovery of the Cuban bulrush.
AGFC district staff also are working to manage other vegetation, such as American lotus, water lily, water shield and hydrilla, that have reached undesirable levels for anglers and biologists at Cane Creek Lake, AGFC staff report.

Lake Monticello
(updated 11-5-2026) This one-time great trophy bass destination when it first opened in the 1990s appears headed back to that designation again, based on what anglers have been catching in the past few months since regulations were eased on bass and crappie. Two bass over 10 pounds were pulled out during the spring, one qualifying for the AGFC’s Legacy Lunker program before the March 31 cutoff. And AGFC biologists say the lake is trending in the right direction with ample forage stocked after its renovation. Catch rates in spring sampling exceeded both the regional average and the 2025 numbers. The survey produced bass in the 6-pound range, but AGFC staff continue to track and value reports from local anglers who have documented catches of 8 pounds and larger.
The lake’s forage base is booming. The staff observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill earlier this year, and that means more fuel for growth for the sport fish like bass and crappie.
The AGFC approved fishing regulations for 2026 regarding the harvest of sport fish on Lake Monticello. Anglers may keep five bass, but only one bass may be 16 inches or more in length. Anglers may harvest 15 crappie, but only seven crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow state regulations for the species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 10-22-2026) Shaun Mercer at Lake Chicot State Park said the water temperature has cooled to 68-72 degrees and the crappie are starting to turn on. The key has been 8 feet of water. Anglers are catching them on Bobby Garland Baby Shad on a white jighead, and Mercer said he’s only seen people using jigs — no shiners. One angler came in with about 32 slab crappie after fishing all day through a slow bite. That morning they’d met a man who fished a few hours before daylight and wore the crappie out in 8 feet of water. “Anything that looks like a shad or a minnow, or anything white, seems to be what they want,” Mercer said.

Bass are still good on topwater. Watermelon seed plastic worms are working, and anglers throwing swimbaits with chartreuse skirts and white tails have had good luck.

Catfish are still biting well in 4-5 feet of water. If you can get your hands on shad, the big ones are hitting it right now. Anglers are catching them tight-lining, running yo-yos and on limblines, but the biggest fish are coming from the middle of the lake on pool noodles.

No bream reports.

The marina at Lake Chicot State Park, run by Keith O’Loghlin (870-265-5480), is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The marina will close for the fall and winter beginning Oct. 31.

Crappie shorter than 10 inches must be released immediately on Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, and Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam. The crappie daily limit is 20.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)/Trusten Holder WMA
(updated 10-22-2026) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said the White River, the waters in Trusten Holder WMA and surrounding backwaters offer fall fishing opportunities. For crappie, try jigs and minnows around brush and deeper structure. For bass, shad-colored crankbaits and soft plastics around channel edges will work best. Catfish will take to cut bait and worms in deeper holes and oxbows.
Last week, we noted that anglers were reporting good catfish catches in the deeper oxbows throughout the Dale Bumpers White River Refuge.

At Trusten Holder WMA, the bass and crappie fishing has been productive in the fishable backwaters and along channel edges. Crappie anglers are finding success with blue-and-black or red-and-black Texas-rigged worms. Shad-colored crankbaits were producing good results with the bass, especially along channel edges and in accessible backwaters.

In and around the White River at Clarendon, crappie anglers can try jigs and minnows around brush and deeper structure. Bass anglers have told us there are opportunities around shad concentrations, while catfish anglers can try the dependable cut bait and worms along those deeper holes and channel edges there.

Also, don’t forget about the areas around St. Charles that are worth scouting now. Darker-colored jigs seem to work around brush and channel edges for crappie there. Look at using a shad-colored crankbait or soft plastics near deeper drop-offs for bass.

“Come see us at Webb’s in DeWitt for your hunting, fishing and outdoor needs. Thanks!”

Wilson Lake
(updated 10-22-2026) Angler Shaun Mercer reported that Wilson Lake, between Portland and Montrose, is extremely low. “There’s not enough boat ramp to launch your boat,” he said. Anglers should not plan on launching until water levels come back up.

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 10-29-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the main focus this week has been the discovery of the aquatic invasive species giant salvinia being discovered on Millwood in numerous locations along Little River, especially near the White Cliffs campground, boat ramp and near the entrance to Horseshoe oxbow. 

Siefert said, “The AGFC and USACE are working diligently applying herbicides, and removing hundreds of pounds of this invasive species to eradicate it before it has a solid foothold in Millwood Lake. Containment booms are placed strategically to hinder the migration of the giant salvinia and to focus on containment of the most recent locations.”

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was slightly below normal pool, at 259.1 feet msl and falling. Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 170 cfs, and tailwater is near 223 feet msl and stable. 

Surface temperature over the past week ranged from 65 degrees early to 73 degrees later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River continues clearing up visibility with reduced river current. Little River clarity ranging 10-20 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the oxbows has improved, with visibility ranging 18-30 inches in many locations. 

Numerous areas on Millwood Lake are fully choked with alligatorweed mats and invasive Cuban Bulrush was several months back along Little River oxbows of Hurricane Creek going into Clear Lake, Horseshoe Lake, White Cliffs creek channel, Mudd Lake, Bagley Creek and Red Slough area, and McGuire and many areas have become inaccessible for navigation or fishing.

“Be sure to drain your bilge and livewells and flush your boat trailer from carrying and redistributing invasive species of giant salvinia, Cuban bulrush and alligatorweed to other bodies of water. Hopefully MORE herbicides can be applied to combat these invasive species on Millwood Lake.”
Siefert had these fishing specifics from the past week:
* Over the past week, the bass and crappie both have been hit or miss. Strangely, the active schooling with black bass and white bass are on again/off again. With these cooler nights and early morning chilled air recently, we have noted a lot more largemouth bass activity as they continue grouping and chasing threadfin shad over the past few weeks. The biggest change in bass activity levels since last week are where the bass are forcing shad to the surface on primary and secondary points as well as creek channel dumps into the oxbows. We are also seeing a lot more schooling activity on threadfin shad with the white bass this week up Little River near Cemetery Slough, Brown’s Slough (between McGuire Lake entrance along Little River) and Wilton Landing. A few largemouths are following shad into the backs of creeks this week, more at the back end, than what we noticed there last week.
The best black bass activity periods remain around midmorning. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet of depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving on such lures as Heddon Dying Flutters in Coach Dog and chrome, while Cordell Crazy Shads in chrome/black back continue randomly bringing topwater explosions throughout midmorning, along with Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini and Salt & Pepper Silver Phantom colors when the schooling activities move shallow and into the remaining lily pad stands. Many of the largemouths continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats, randomly running shad into lily pad stands from 9 a.m.-noon. These chasing bass will hit soft plastic frogs, Bass Assassin jerkbaits and quarter-ounce Bill Lewis Lures Rat-L-Traps with a tail spinner in lily pad stands and emergent vegetation where you have flats from 4-8 feet deep dropping off into structure of 10-15 feet, where standing timber is broke off.

Over the past few weeks, various black bass schools have been randomly schooling in the oxbows up Little River for a few hours in the morning. The best feeding periods have been shifting from early daylight to around 9-11 a.m. 

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Bill Lewis Lures Square Bill SB-57 and ATV Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad or Pro Green Gizzard colors, and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado and Citrus Sha are drawing hits and reactions in clear water along in creek channel swings on stumps and grass lines. Our custom-painted Little John Crankbaits in Millwood Magic, School Bus Splatterback and Tennessee Shad continue working near vertical structure where the alligatorweed and lily pads converge on receding flats or deeper drops on secondary points, from 5-6 feet deep tapering out to 8-9 feet deep. 

* The white bass are still holding in large pods and schools near the threadfin shad in the oxbows from 5-12 feet of depth, and over the past few weeks were schooling with the largemouths. Anglers recently are finding large schools of whites in McGuire oxbow, schooling with the largemouths near standing timber in creek mouths near vertical structure, and in creek channel dumps into the oxbow near back of McGuire and in front of standing timber. Random schooling was taking place from daylight until around 10- a.m.-noon, with shad pods breaking as the whites were pushing them to the surface.
* The crappie bite was on like Donkey Kong one day, and cold as ice the next. We are curious if the full moon earlier this week had them feeding overnight. The crappie have been good for the past couple weeks, and best from early morning up till 10-11 a.m. on hair jigs, minnows and grubs from 10-15 feet of depth on standing timber. Monkey Milk and Firecracker have been good colors on jigs. 

*No report on catfish with the reduced current in Little River, and no update on bream.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

(updated 10-29-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs again noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday how much below normal pool the “big” lakes are.

The surface temperature has fallen into the mid-70s on average. The water color is still gin clear. Earlier this month, Kastner noted that “the topwater bite is incredible. All the lakes are on fire. Also, a buzzbait and Fluke bite are both very good. Ouachita and DeGray have some of the best moss crops they have ever had in a very long time, maybe ever. Big jig season is just around the corner.”

(updated 10-29-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) in his most recent DeGray report noted that bass were chasing shad and anglers were catching them casting spoons, swimbaits and trolling. For the crappie fishermen, the crappie are in fall transition with the water cooling. Deeper brushpiles near the channels at the entrance of coves and smaller creek arms are holding some nice crappie. Fish 12-20 feet deep with the usual jigs or minnows at all three lakes.

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

White Oak Lake Area

No reports.

Lake Atkins
(updated 11-5-2026) Lucky Landing as a bait shop and restaurant is not open, but the AGFC’s access to Lake Atkins and fishing pier remain open to all anglers, according to the AGFC’s Frank Leone, supervisor of the Russellville district.

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 11-5-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 60 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. Entergy was running 10-hour generation periods starting in the late afternoon. However, with the fall season underway, this schedule has changed with no information available on the hydroelectric operations website. No generation schedule has been posted online for the last several months online. Lake Catherine’s annual winter drawdown (this year scheduled for 3 feet) was set to begin Nov. 1.

The fall stocking of rainbow trout below Carpenter Dam is scheduled for Nov. 30. Rainbow trout numbers are predicted to be down statewide, but not as dramatically as last year after the losses at the two major trout hatcheries in-state. 

The only productive fishing below the dam now involves catching white bass and hybrid bass that remain in the area after the yearly spawn. Some topwater activity has been observed below the dam in the early morning as bass chase threadfin shad schools. Casting Alabama rigs has proven to be an effective technique to target these fish that will strike a lure that closely resembles a fleeing shad. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad against the current has taken numbers of bass in the late evening.
Excessive heat kept many anglers off the lake this summer and early fall, and shortened fish feeding times, but now that fall is underway, more fishermen can stay on the water and catches are improving.
This report will stay much the same until later in November when the first stocking of rainbow trout. Trout in the tailrace completely changes the dynamic of the area for the better.
Always remember to wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all lake and park regulations. Trash cans are limited in the area, so pick up after yourself and be aware of rising lake levels when the turbines are running. 

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 10-29-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday how much below normal pool the “big” lakes are in the area, and with the long-lasting summer-like conditions, boat owners would be wise to consider winterizing their boats now before winter comes. He notes that Lake Hamilton will start its annual winter drawdown Nov. 1, with a 3-foot drop.

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 10-29-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said the crappie are doing GREAT early in the mornings on live bait on brushpiles in 18-24 feet of water near deeper water channels. As the sun gets higher, move deeper onto brushpiles in the channel. Fish 8-12 feet deep in the early morning. Fish 18-24 feet deep by midmorning. 

The bass are everywhere roaming from surface feeding to patrolling the bottom. 

(updated 10-29-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair to good. Try a riser bait or Plopper-style lure for a fun topwater bite. Or drop-shot a live crawfish for spotted bass in the 15- to 30-foot range on points or brush.

Walleye are slow. For best results in the 20-foot range, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler near brush or the outside edge of a moss line.

No reports on stripers, bream, crappie or catfish. 

Water temperature is steady, if slightly warmer than last week, at 70- to 74-degree range. Water clarity is clear. Lake level continues its slight drop weekly, now at 568.69 feet msl (more than 9 feet below normal pool). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

NOTE: Blue Mountain Lake is undergoing a two-phase drawdown proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to improve aquatic and waterfowl habitat by exposing mudflats for seeding and for critical maintenance on the lake’s intake structure. Phase one began Sept. 2025, lowering the lake to its normal winter pool elevation of 384 feet. The second phase will begin May 1, 2026, with the lake further lowered to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026. During the drawdown, water activities will be limited, boat ramps may be affected, and areas around the lake will be seeded.

Japanese millet will be seeded on the mudflats during phase one to improve habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic species. Call 479-947-2372 for more information.

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.